FCMC’S Diabetes Education Issues Tips On Medicare Part B Coverage

The Fulton County Medical Center Diabetes Education Department is releasing a series of helpful tips regarding diabetes and important information you need to know. If you have any questions regarding these tips or any other diabetes related questions, please contact the department at 717-485-6165. All the tips can be found at www.facebook.com/FCMCP A or at www.fcmcpa.org.

Tip #1: For Diabetes Testing Supplies:

Blood sugar testing equipment and supply costs are covered by Medicare Part B for individuals with diabetes:

Glucometer(meter)

Test strips

Lancet devices and lancets

Glucose control solutions for checking accuracy of testing equipment and test strips

Number of test strips covered under Medicare Part B varies:

If insulin dependent diabetes— 100 test strips and lancets per every 1 month

If not insulin dependent diabetes—100 test strips and lancets every 3 months

If “medically necessary” per physician recommendation – additional test strips and lancets may be allowed

Medicare will NOT pay for any supplies not requested by patient or automatically sent to patient

Tip #2: What do I need from my doctor to get blood sugar testing supplies covered by Medicare Part B:

A prescription with the following: a diabetes diagnosis glucometer (meter) type why you need it reason for special monitor needed(vision problems) on insulin or not how many test strips and lancets you need you will need a new prescription every 12 months

Tip #3: Where do I get the blood sugar testing supplies?

You must obtain supplies from a pharmacy or supplier that is enrolled in Medicare.

(Medicare will not pay for supplies from a pharmacy or supplier not enrolled in Medicare.)

Most important questions to ask:

Are you enrolled in Medicare?

Do you accept assignment?

If the answer is “NO” to either of these questions, you may have to pay more or pay entire cost for supplies.

If you cannot find a pharmacy or supplier in your area enrolled in Medicare, you may want to order by mail

For questions about diabetes supply coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE or may call Fulton County Medical Center-Diabetes Education Department at 717-485-6165